Eastern Cape Provincial Government through its Human Settlements Department continues with its efforts to provide safe, decent and dignified homes for families across the province. The latest delivery has this week, seen MEC Siphokazi Lusithi handing over 239 newly built houses to destitute families in the Nyandeni Local Municipality.

The beneficiaries form part of the Nyandeni Destitute 370 Human Settlements Project, which seeks to provide quality housing to vulnerable households while accelerating the eradication of unsafe mud structures across the province. The project is being implemented across 28 wards in Nyandeni, covering communities in Libode and Ngqeleni. It forms part of government’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable households are not left behind in the delivery of decent and sustainable human settlements.

Among the beneficiaries is 60-year-old grandmother Nosakhe Buzani, who lives with her six children and six grandchildren. The family previously lived in a mud house that eventually collapsed after being damaged by bad weather. Buzani said receiving a new home has brought a significant change to her family’s life.

“I used to live in a mud house, but it eventually collapsed, and the government built the house that is being handed over to me today. I have six children and six grandchildren. This house has changed our lives because whenever it rained, our home would flood. I am very grateful because I can now have what other people have; a stable, safe and decent home,” said Buzani.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, MEC Lusithi said the initiative forms part of the department’s Women’s Month programme.

“This is part of our Women’s Month programme, through which we are delivering 239 houses as part of the 370-house project. This intervention demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that families have access to safe, decent and dignified homes,” Lusithi reiterated.